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Christmas at 1 
Cross Roads 


A HUMOROUS CHRISTMAS PLAY FOR 
HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS OR ADULTS 


ELIZABETH F. GUPTILL 


A new production by the author of “Cabbage 
Hill School,' ’ and written in the same happy and 
successful vein. A rural play of unusual strength. 
It depicts the Church Committee in their prepa¬ 
ration for the Christmas celebration, bringing 
out the interesting peculiarities of local charac¬ 
ters, and the vexing tangles in which they are 
engulfed. Rich in clean, hearty, healthy fun. 
Seven males, twelve females. About one hour. 


march brothers 

Publishers 

208-210-212 Wright Avenue 

LEBANON, OHIO : ... 


Copyright, 1909, by March Brothers. 


No Entertainments Exchanged. 

No Entertainments sent on selection or subject to return 

























































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Christmas at the Cross Roads, 


A Christmas Play for High School Pupils or 
Adults. 

By Elizabeth F. Guptill. 


(Copyright, 1909, by March Brothers.) 


CHARACTERS. 

Mrs. Hannah Bascom..—.A Country Matron 

Mr. Elijah Bascom.Her Husband 

Mr. Williams.The Parson 

Miss Elvira Morton.An Old Maid 


Hiram Jones. 

Emeline Jones.. 

Josiah Johnson. 

Fannie Lawson. 

Molly Mason. 

Dick. 

Tom. 

Mr. Jenkins. 

Mr. Thompson. 

Mrs. Lawson. 

Miss Mehitable Mason 

Tommy Lawson. 

Miss Emerson. 


► The Decorating Committee 


| Boys who bring tree 


The Choir 


The Irrepressible Small Boy 
.The School Teacher 


Betty. I 

. j> Four Little Girls who “Speak a Piece.” 

Katie.J 

21 characters, 9 male, 12 female. 

If desired, Siah and Hiram may bring in the tree, 
thus using only 7 male characters. 
























2 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


(The scene is an old-fashioned country 
school-house, very bare and empty. Mrs. Bas- 
com enters, looks around.) 

Mrs. Bascom. Wal, I’m here fust, it seems. 
Thought I would be. I allers cal’late to be on 
time. Guess I’ll take off my bunnit and shawl, 
and make myself to hum. (She removes them, 
goes out to hang them up, and returns, seats 
herself in the teacher’s chair, and begins to knit 
on a blue yarn sock, which she takes from the 
pocket at her side.) There! I guess I can get a 
good view of everything that’s going on from 
here, and hear everything, too. ’Twill be real 
nice and sociable. 

(Mr. Williams enters.) 

Mr. Williams. Good-afternoon, Mrs. Bascom. 

Mrs. Bascom. Why, how you scared me, Pas- 
son ! I didn’t know a body was a-nigh me. 
Didn’t know you was on committee, anyhow. 

Mr. Williams. I am not on the committee, 
Mrs. Bascom; but I thought I might, perhaps, 
assist with the decorations. 

Mrs. Bascom. Now, Passon, ’f Ps you, I 
wouldn’t. Them gals on that committee’s drat- 
ful friv’lous, and they may make you forget 
your dignity. I don’t hold with a minister for¬ 
getting his dignity with young folks. 

Mr. Williams. But I am young myself, Mrs. 
Bascom. 

Mrs. Bascom. You’re twenty-five, if you’re a 
day, and you’re a minister of the gospel, and 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 3 

shouldn’t have too much to do with the young 
gals. They’re flighty, and they’re setting their 
caps fur you, every one on ’em. There’s Fan¬ 
nie Lawson, now. Everybody knows— 

(Voices and laughter outside. Mr. Williams 
interrupts, hurriedly.) 

Mr. Williams. Ah! here come some of the 
young people. 

(The decorating committee enters, breezily, 
bringing evergreens and scarlet berries in large 
baskets. Hiram has a step-ladder. They ap¬ 
pear astonished and displeased at seeing Mrs. 
Bascom.) 

Molly. Why, Mrs. Bascom, we didn’t expect 
to see you. Which committee are you on? 

Mrs. Bascom. I hain’t on any committee, 
Mary Ann Mason, an’ you know it. But the 
school-house is deestrick property, I s’pose, and 
Eve as good a right here as any on you. If you 
young folks thought you’d get the better o’ me 
by leaving me off the committee, you’re left. 
’F I’s you, Hiram Jones, I’d put that ’ere ladder 
down and go to work, ’stead o’ gawping at your 
elders, with yer mouth wide open. Makes you 
humblier’n usual, an’ land knows, there no need 
o’ that. 

Hiram (laughing loudly). Haw! haw! 
Reckon yer right, Aunt Hannah. I be n’t no 
great to look at, be I, Molly? 

Molly (who has been scowling at Mrs. Bas¬ 
com). I don’t see but you look as well as some 


4 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


other folks, if only you wouldn’t keep a-running 
your fingers through your hair. 

Hiram. Tell yer what, Molly, you fix.it for 
me, so’s Aunt Hannah kin see how pooty I 
really be. 

Molly. Don’t be so silly, Hi! 

(They step aside; Hiram seats himself, and 
Molly arranges his hair.) 



Josiah. What we gwine ter do with all this 
’ere green stuff, anyway? 

Emeline. Oh, put it up on the wall in gar¬ 
lands and wreaths. 

Josiah. In what ’n’ wreaths? 

Emeline. Garlands, stupid! Long festoons, 
like this. 

Josiah. Oh, yes, I see. Let it hang in loops. 
I c’n do that, if you’ll show me how, Emmie. 
Emeline. All right. I’ll hand it to you, ’Siah. 
Josiah. So do! 

Fannie. And I’ll make wreaths. 

(Sits down and commences to make one. 
Presently she calls—) 


Fannie. Oh, Mr. Williams, have you got a 
_ jack-knife? 

Mr. Williams (going up to her). Certainly, 
Miss Fannie, but I have just had it sharpened, 
and I fear you may cut your little white fingers. 
. Mrs. Bascom (aside). H’m! I guess if she 

J ;. helped her ma a little more with the dishrag and 

-^mop,-.her fingers wouldn’t be so little and white. 
(To Emeline). Emmie, can’t you make wreaths? 



' /’ST 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


5 


Emeline. Why, yes, Aunt Hanah. But I'm 
helping ’Siah now. There’s four to make wreaths 
a’ready. 

(They go to work busily, working in pairs. 
Put in plejity of by-play, quiet spooning, etc.) 

Mrs. Bascom. I wouldn’t droop it that-a-way ; 
’twill take twice as much. 

Josiah. Wal, thar’s a-plenty on’t, I’m sure. 

Emeline. Land, yes, Aunt Hannah! The 
woods is full of it. 

Mrs. Bascom. An’ nothing would suit ye 
better, I s’pose, then to get some more. 

Josiah. You bet! It’s rare sport. 

Mrs. Bascom. You’d better go help ’em make 
wreaths, Emmie. You ain’t doing a blame 
thing. 

Emmie. Why, yes, I am, too. I’m superin¬ 
tending the festooning. Besides, four’s enough. 
(Aside, to Mrs. Bascom.) I ain’t a-running 
after no ministers. 

Mrs. Bascom (aside). Wal, ef you want thet 
stuck up Fannie Lawson to kerry him off under 
yer nose, and all for that clodhopper of a ’Siah, 
I don’t think much o’ yer taste, ner yet o’ yer 
brains. 

Emeline. Excuse me, Aunt Hannah, but the 
committee must work. 

Mr. Williams (looking up.). Yes, indeed; no 
sluggards allowed here. 

Mrs. Bascom. I don’t think it’s very seemly 
in you, Mr. Williams, to leave me off’n the com- 


6 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


mittee, and then call me a sluggard, an’ try to 
drive me out. 

Mr. Williams. I assure you, Mrs. Bascom, 1 
had no idea— 

Hiram (to Molly). So I’ve thought, some¬ 
times, when he was a-preachin’. 

Mr. Williams. No idea at all of calling you— 

Mrs. Bascom. An’ yer a good deal younger’n 
me, Passon, an’ seein’s you wasn’t in the pulpit, 
’twarn’t quite the thing. 

Mr. Williams. Really, Mrs. Bascom— 

Mrs. Bascom. Oh, I hain’t mad, Passon, an’ 
Pm a-goin’ to stay. My niece needs a shap- 
perony here, with all these young men. 

Hirmn. A what, Aunt Hannah? 

Mrs. Bascom. A shapperony, I said, Hiram, 
’n’ if you hadn’t been so busy trying to tie a 
wreath up and hold Mary Ann Mason’s hand at 
the same time, p’r’aps you’d a-heard me the fust 
time. 

Molly (to Hiram). I do wish she wouldn’t 
call me Mary Ann! 

Mrs. Bascom. I believe in calling things by 
their right names, an’ people, too. You was 
named Mary Ann when old Passon Meader 
christened you, ’n’ you screeched like murder, 
’n’ banged him in the eye with yer little red fist. 

Molly. Served him right for giving me such 
a dreadful name. 

Fannie (innocently). But what is a shap¬ 
perony, Mrs. Bascom? 

Mrs. Bascom (tartly). A married woman, to 
go with a young gal to places, to see that she 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


7 


behaves herself and don’t go chasing after black- 
coats. 

’Siah (whistling). Wh—ew ! 

(Dick and Tom enter, bringing tree.) 

Dick. Where shall we set this ’ere? 

Emmie. Oh, right here—I think (indicating 
place). 

Mrs. Bascom. No, here (indicating different 
place). 

Emmie. Where do you think, Mr. Williams? 

Mr. Williams. In the center, front, of course. 

Hiram. Yes, boys, right there. Oh, Jehosh- 
aphat! 

Molly. What is it, Hi? 

Hiram. Old Maid Morton. As if Aunt Han¬ 
nah warn’t enough, without her sticking in her 
skinny fingers and corkscrew curls. 

Molly. Oh, dear! I hope I’ll die before I 
turn into such a mean old maid as she is. 

Hiram. Tell ye, Molly, I know something 
wuth two that! Git married! Haw ! haw ! 

(Enter Miss Morton.) 

Miss Morton. Well, good-afternoon, Mrs. 
Bascom. So you’re here, superintending your 
decorating committee. 

Mrs. Bascom (who has begun to decorate the 
tree with popcorn, but who promptly sits down 
and begins to knit). My decorating committee! 

I warn’t on committee, Elviry Morton, no more’n 
you was. They left the old folks out this time. 

Miss Morton. Old folks, indeed! Speak for 


8 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


yourself, Hannah Bascom. I’m not as old as you 
are, anyhow! 

Mrs. Bascom. How much lack on’t, Elviry? 

Miss Morton (going up to workers). Oh, 
what elegant wreaths ! How do you do it, Mr. 
Williams—this way (attempting one) ? 

Mr. Williams. I’m only learning, Miss Mor¬ 
ton. Miss Fannie will show you, I’m sure. 

Fannie. Certainly. That isn’t the way, Miss 
Morton; that looks skimpy. 

Miss Morton. When I want your help, Fan¬ 
nie Lawson, I’ll call for it. I’ve made wreaths 
afore—afore you moved here, land knows. 

Hiram. Yes, indeed, Fannie, long afore you 
was born. 

Miss Morton. I’m not quite a centurion yet, 
Hi Jones. Mr: Williams, don’t you think this 
wreath is quite felicitous? 

Mr. Williams (hesitatingly). Er—it ought to 
be a little thicker, don’t you think, to go with 
the rest? 

Miss Morton. I don’t care to have it equilib- 
riate with the rest. I prefer my work to be no¬ 
ticeable. 

Mrs. Bascom. It is, Elviry. It sartinly is. 

Miss Morton. I want it to be. Graceful, ar¬ 
tistic, uneeky. 

Molly. It’s uneeky, all right; but we can’t use 
it. It will spoil the harmony of the decorating 
scheme. They must look alike. 

Miss Morton. Look alike, indeed! Just think 
what a monogamous world this would be if we 
all looked alike. 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


9 


Fannie. Deliver us from that! 

Mollie. Yes, indeed. 

Miss Morton. I think my wreath is more ar- 
tistical, at any rate, and it’s a-going to contin- 
uate as it is. (Proceeds to make another.) 

Molly. Oh, please, Miss Morton, don’t waste 
the evergreen. 

Miss Morton. Who’s a-wasting it? 

Molly. You are! We can’t use those things, 
and we don’t want any help. 

Mrs. Bascom. Why don’t you let ’em be, El- 
viry? You warn’t on committee. Let the young 
folks be. 

Miss Morton. If I want to make wreaths, 
Hannah Bascom, I’m a-going to make ’em; an* 
as for young folks, I ain’t old folks yet myself. 
They are the buds; I am the half-blown flower. 

’Siah. Good gracious! How old do you 
s’pose she’ll hev to be before she’s full blown, 
Emmie? Two hundred? 

Emmie. Keep still, ’Siah, do! Don’t get her 
over here, for goodness’ sake! 

’Siah. All right. How’s this? 

Miss Morton (coming forward). Why don’t 
ye droop it more? 

’Siah. Don’t want to. Let’s get that other 
basket, Emmie. 

(They pass out. Miss Morton hesitatingly 
ascends step-ladder, then gives wild scream.) 

Mrs. Bascom. What’s the matter, Elviry ? 
Did you see a spider? 

Mollie. Or a mouse? 


10 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Fannie. ’Twas a snake, wasn't it. Miss Mor¬ 
ton? 

Miss Morton. Oh! How shall I ever get 
down? 

Hiram. Jump! 

Miss Morton. I don’t dare to jump. I sh’d 
break my neck. 

Hiram. Don’t land on your neck. Land on 
your feet. 

Miss Morton. But I should confiscate my 
ankle. 

Mrs. Bascom. Crawl down, Elviry. You’re 
a sight up there. 

Molly. If my ankles were as skinny as that, 
I’d want them confiscated, I’m sure. 

Miss Morton. Oh, I shall fall! I shall fall! 

Hiram (shaking ladder). Come on, I’ll help 
ye! 

Miss Morton (screaming). Go away, Hiram 
Jones. You’re a-shaking it a-purpose, you know 
you be. Mr. Williams, won't you assist me to 
alight ? 

Mr. Williams (getting up slowly). Certainly. 
(He ascends a step or two, and succeeds in 
bringing her down, with much fuss and scream¬ 
ing. At the bottom she promptly faints, but he 
adroitly manages to have her fall into Mrs. Bas- 
com’s arms instead of his own.) 

Miss Morton (straightening up quickly). 
You needn’t a-pinched me, Hannah Bascom. 

Mrs. Bascom. Why, Elviry, that’s the best 
way to bring folks out’n of a fainting fit. Brings 
’em out all right, every time. 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


11 


(She seats her on a desk, and fans her with 
her apron. Miss Morton looks daggers at the 
minister, who has returned to Fannie. The 
choir enters, accompanied by Tommy Lawson.) 

Mrs. Lawson. Land sakes ! Hain’t ye through 
decorating yet? 

Fannie. Of course not, ma. (To Tommy.) 
Run back to ma; I don’t want ye. 

Tommy. The minister does. Ministers like 
little boys. (Climbs, uninvited, on Mr. WiF 
liams’ knee.) 

Mrs. Lawson. Wal, we got to rehearse, any¬ 
how. 

Miss Mason. That’s so. What shall we try 
first? 

Mr. Thompson. “While Shepherds Watched.” 

Mr. Jenkins. No, “Antioch.” 

(They turn the leaves of their hymn-books 
vigorously.) 

Miss Mason. Page 228 . 

Mrs. Lazvson. No, ’tisn’t, Mehitable. It’s 42 . 

Miss Mason. That’s “Antioch.” 

Mrs. Lazvson. O’ course. 

Mr. Thompson. We’re going to sing “While 
Shepherds Watched,” Mrs. Lawson. 

Mrs. Lawson. Why, no we hain’t, neither. 
Mr. Jenkins said “Antioch.” 

Miss Mason. Well, I guess Mr. Jenkins ain’t 
the leader. 

Mrs. Lawson. Neither are you, Mehitable 
Mason! 


12 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Miss Mason. Pitch it, Mr. Thompson. 

(Mr. Thompson takes a tuning fork or pitch 
pipe from his pocket and pitches the tune. He 
and Miss Mason begin to sing. Sing one line.) 

Mr. Thompson. Come, where’s the treble and 
bass? We can’t sing with jest tenor and coun¬ 
ter. 

Mrs. Lawson. You’ll have to, I guess, if you 
sing that. We’re going to sing “Antioch.” 

(They start in, and sing the first verse. The 
others make a vain attempt to start their song 
again. At close of first verse, they start in again 
on their song, the others vigorously singing “An¬ 
tioch.” Each pair tries to drown the others.) 

Mrs. Bascom. Wal, of all the caterwaulin’ 1 
ever heard! 

Miss Morton. It’s perfectly amorphous! 

Tommy. Go it! go it! I bet on ma ! She 
kin screech loudest. 

Hiram. Let’s help ’em, Molly. (Sings “Glory, 
glory, hallelujah!”) 

Miss Emerson (entering, with several chil¬ 
dren). What in the world? 

’Siah. Only a cat concert, teacher. Walk 
right in. Don’t be afeared of the animiles. They 
don’t bite. 

Miss Emerson. But what— 

’Siah. That’s the way they always sing in 
this deestrick, teacher. Don’t you like it? 

Miss Emerson. Isn’t it rather— 

Hiram. That’s just what it is—rather! 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


13 


Miss Emerson. Do you know your piece, 
Tommy? 

Tommy. Yep. 

Fannie. Don’t answer so, Tommy. Speak up 
pretty. 

(Tommy stands up and speaks his piece at the 
top of his voice, regardless of the singing. He 
speaks in a jerky, sing-song manner.) 

T ommy — 

Oh, Christmas is coming. It’s on the way. 

Old Santa’s a-riding in piled-up sleigh, 
Surrounded with gimcracks, with dolls and toys; 
He’s bringing ’em all to good girls and boys. 

(To Miss Emerson.) Say, he won’t bring the 
choir none, will he? 

Miss Emerson. Why, yes, I guess so, Tommy. 
Tommy. No, he won’t, neither, ’cause they 
fight so. 

Fannie. Sh, Tommy! 

Tommy. Just you stop sh—ing all the time! 
I’m a-speaking my piece. 

Fannie. You don’t seem to be. 

Tommy. Well, I am. I’m just a-going on. 
Say, Mr. Williams, do you like punkins? 

Mr. Williams. I like pumpkin pie, Tommy. 
Tommy. Well, Fannie hain’t pumpkin pie! 
Mr. Williams. I never supposed she was, my 
boy. 

Tommy. Well, Miss Ole Maid Elviry Mor¬ 
ton said— 

Hiram. Miss who? Which? What? 


14 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Tommy. Miss Ole Maid Elviry Morton said 
the minister thought our Fannie was some pun- 
kins ! Do you, Mr. Williams ? 

Mr. Williams. I respect your sister very 
highly, Tommy, but I certainly should not com¬ 
pare her to a pumpkin. She’s more like a flower 
or—a peach, perhaps. 

Tommy (running noisily to Miss Morton and 
calling loudly). Miss Ole Maid Elviry Morton, 
the minister don’t think our Fannie’s a punkin. 
He says she a peach and a posy. 

Fannie. Tommy! 

Tommy. Well, he said so, anyhow. Didn’t 
you, Mr. Williams? 

Mr. Williams. Not exactly, Tommy. 

Tommy. Yes you did, too! and you said you 
expected her. 

Hiram. Haw! haw ! good for Tommy! Here’s 
a penny, youngster. What makes you call Miss 
Morton all that string o’ names? 

Tommy. Fannie calls her Ole Maid Morton, 
an’ ma says I must call her Miss Morton, and 
she says I must call her Miss Elviry, ’cause she’s 
quite young yet— 

Hiram. Haw! haw! Young yet! So was 
Old Grimes! 

Miss Morton (who has been attracted by the 
mention of her name). You’d better look out 
for this owdacious young gentleman, Sally Law- 
son, instead of quarrelating so over the sym¬ 
phony you’re a-trying to voiciate up there! 

Mrs. Lawson. Tommy, be a good boy. 

Tommy. Yas’um. (Goes to Mrs. Bascom.) 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 15 

Say, Mrs. Bascom, do they wear ’em on their 
hands ? 

Mrs. Bascom. Land sakes, Tommy! What 
air you a-talking of? Wear what on their 
hands ? 

Tommy. The stockings. Do the heathen 
wear ’em on their hands? 

Mrs. Bascom. Why, no, of course not. Why? 

Tommy. Well, Hi, he said that you was alius 
a-knittin’ everlastin’ blue stockings for the 
heathen, an’ he said they wouldn’t know whether 
they was earmuffs or mittens. 

Mrs. Bascom. I don’t send ’em the stockings, 
Tommy. I sell ’em and send the money. 

Tommy. Oh, yes; but pa says the heathen 
never get any of the pennies we send ’em, ’cause 
the missionaries gobble ’em up. 

’Siah. Gobble up which, Tommy, the pen¬ 
nies or the heathen? 

Tommy. The heathen, o’ course. No, I mean 
the pennies. I don’t give mine any more; I 
keep ’em for gum. 

Mrs. Lawson. Tommy! 

Tommy. Yas’um. 

Mrs. Lawson. Sit down and keep still, or I’ll 
see to you! 

(Tommy sits down a little while, then fidgets 
around again.) 

Miss Emerson. Come, girls, you may re¬ 
hearse now. 

(The girls come forward. Betty giggles, De¬ 
lia hangs her head, Jennie cries, Katie fidgets.) 


16 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Miss Emerson. Come, now, do it nicely. 
Hold up your head, Delia! Stand still, Katie! 
Don’t laugh, Betty! There, Jennie, no one’s go¬ 
ing to hurt you. 

Jennie. They’re all a-looking at me! 

Miss Emerson. Well, that doesn’t hurt you. 
Come, now, be brave, if you want something 
nice on the tree. 

Jennie (sobbing.) There hain’t nothin’ on it, 
’tall! 

Miss Emerson. Well, there will be. Come, 
don’t cry! 

(Jennie wipes her eyes on her aoron, also her 
nose.) 

Miss Emerson. Come, Katie, stand still, and 
begin. 

Katie — 

The Christmas tree’s the nicest tree 
That grows in any wood. 

It bears such fruit for little boys 
And little girls who’re good. 

Tommy. Ho! ho! Little boys don’t have to 
be good! 

Miss Emerson. Tommy! 

Tommy. Yas’um. I forgot. 

Miss Emerson. Go on, Delia. Hold your 
head up! 

(Delia lifts her head, then drops it as she re¬ 
cites. Occasionally she lifts it, only to hang it 
again. She fingers her dress uneasily.) 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


17 


Delia — 

The apple tree is very fine, 

The pine is very tall; 

The elm, the oak, the birch, the ash— 

This tree can beat ’em all. 

Miss Emerson. Now, Betty! 

Betty — 

Just see the presents that it holds! 
(Tee-hee-hee!) 

Miss Emerson. Don’t laugh, Betty! 

Betty. Well, but it don’t hold a one! Tee- 
hee-hee! It’s barer’n Job’s turkey’ 

Miss Emerson. Well, it will hold presents to¬ 
night. Go on! 

Betty — 

Just see its candles bright; 

(Tee-hee!) 

See all the pretty dolls and toys— 
(Tee-hee-hee!) 

Oh, isn’t it a sight! 

I sh’d think it was! (Tee-hee-hee!) 

Miss Emerson. No, no, Betty. The last line 
was wrong— 

Oh, what a pleasant sight! 

Say it again, and don’t giggle so. 

(Betty puts her hand over her mouth, laughs, 
then says the verse at lightning speed, ending 
with a burst of laughter.) 


18 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Miss Emerson. Now, Jennie ! 

Jennie (whimpering). I don’t wanter. 

Miss Emerson. Oh, yes, you do! Begin now! 
Oh, yes— 

Jennie (her fists in her eyes) — 

Oh, yes—we love—the Christmas tree; 

(Sniffs.) 

Miss. Emerson. We love— 

Jennie — 

We love—its—pretty toys! 

(Sniffs again.) 

Miss Emerson. We’re glad— 

Jennie — 

We’re glad— 

Tommy. I sh’d think she was glad! 

Miss Emerson. Tommy! 

Tommy. Yas’um! I furgot! 

Miss Emerson. We’re glad—go on, Jennie. 

Jennie — 

We’re glad we’ve tried through all the year 
To be good girls an’ boys! 

(She says these two lines very fast, her voice 
gradually rising, and ending in a shriek, then 
cries into her apron.) 

Miss Emerson. Now, altogether! (They 
join hands, Betty and Katie taking forcible pos¬ 
session of Jennie’s hands.) 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 19 

All— 

Then dance around the Christmas tree. 
With happy hearts and gay; 

Such fruit it bears for you and me, 

This happy Christmas day! 

(Each recites in her own way, Jennie ending 
with a whining “day” after the others have fin¬ 
ished.) 

• Mr. Williams. A very pretty piece, Fm sure; 
and they will say it nicely, Fm sure! 

Miss Emerson (doubtfully). I hope so. 

Miss Morton. Fm sure they ejaculated it 
beautiferously, Miss Emerson. If Jennie is a 
little lachrymosic, it but affords a delicious con¬ 
trast to Betty’s jubilous hilearity. 

Mrs. Bascom. Do talk English, Elviry Mor¬ 
ton ! 

Miss Morton. Why, I do, Hannah Bascom— 
elegant English, Fm sure! Fm not to blame if 
you can’t understand the longer words. 

Hiram (aside). Nor are we! 

Miss Morton. I always did like to use anoma¬ 
lous syllables. They’re so poetic! So malodor¬ 
ous ! 

Miss Emerson (aside). I should think they 
were, indeed! 

(The choir, who have been scowling and 
whispering, now rise and sing, together, “While 
Shepherds Watched.”' They sing in poor time, 
and put on plenty of frills. At end of first verse, 
Mr. Bascom puts in his head and calls to his 
wife.) 


20 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Mr. Bascom. Hamer! Ain’t you a-comin’ 
hum to-night? 

Mrs. Bascom. Land yes, ’Lijah! Wait a 
minute! 

Emmie. Wasn’t the music good, Uncle ’Li¬ 
jah ! 

Mr. Bascom. Music! I didn’t hear no mu¬ 
sic ! Chasin’ arter each other that-a-away ain’t 
music! I’d rather listen to my old cow. Come 
on, Harner! 

Mrs. Bascom. I’m a-comin’, ’Lijah, I tell 
yer! Jest as soon’s I knit to my seam needle. 
(She does so, then goes out, saying.) Wal, I’ll 
see all on ye later, I s’pose! (To Mrs. Law- 
son.) You kin ride ef ye like, Sally. 

Mrs. Lawson. Thank you, Hannah! I will. 
I’ve got bread a-rising. Come, Tommy. 

Tommy. I’m going to wait for Fannie. 

Betty. So’m I. 

Fannie. Dear me, ma! I don’t want ’em. 
Take ’em along with you—Tommy, anyway. 
You never know what he’ll say next. 

Mrs. Lawson. Come, Tommy boy. Come 
with mamma. 

Tommy. I don’t wanter. I want to walk with 
the minister, too! 

Mr. Bascom (calling outside). Harner! 

Mrs. Bascom. Yes, ’Lijah, I’m a-coming. 
Come, Sally. 

(They go out hastily,' as Mr. Bascom calls 
again. Tommy remains.) 

Miss Emerson. Little boys who don’t mind 
mustn’t expect pretty things on the tree. 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 21 

Tommy. I’ll get a jack-knife, I know. The 
minister promised it to me if Td stay out of the 
parlor last night. 

Fannie. Tommy! 

Mr. Jenkins. 'Tommy, want to ride home 
horseback ? 

Tommy. Yep! 

Mr. Jenkins (going out). Come on, then. 

Delia. Come on, girls, I’m going, too. 

(The girls and Miss Emerson go out; Mr. 
Thompson and Miss Mehitable Mason remain 
and begin to trim the tree.) 

Mr. Thompson (taking a box from his pock¬ 
et). Guess what I have here, Miss Hitty! 

Miss Mason. I’m sure I couldn’t. 

Mr. Thompson. Come see! (He takes a 
spray of mistletoe from the box, and proceeds 
to fasten it up.) Where would you hang it, 
Miss Hitty? (He manages to hold it over her 
head and kisses her.) 

Miss Morton (bustling up). Mistletoe! Why, 
how romantic! How idea-illic ! 

Tommy (appearing). What’s mistletoe? 

Fannie. Dear me, Tommy, I thought you’d 
gone home! 

Tommy. Nope. Thought I wouldn’t. More 
fun here. Mr. Thompson, what’s mistletoe? 

Mr. Thompson (pointing). That is, Tommy! 

Tommy. But what’s it for? 

Mr. Thompson. Why, you see, Tommy, if 
you can catch a young lady standing under it, 
you may kiss her. 


22 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 


Tommy. I don’t wanter. 

Mr. Thompson. I mean any young man can 
who catches her. 

Tommy. Pooh! A rose in her hair’s just as 
good. Last night— 

Fannie. Tommy Lawson! 

Hiram. What about last night, Tommy? 

Tommy. Ho! ho! Miss Ole Maid Elviry 
Morton’s standing right under it. Why don’t 
nobody kiss her? 

’Siah (aside). Why, indeed! 

Miss Morton (stepping back). Why, I was 
right beneath it, wasn’t I? Thank you for tell¬ 
ing me, Tommy. 

Hiram. What about last night, Tommy? 

Tommy. Fannie had a rose in her hair, and— 
(To Miss Morton.) You’re a-standin’ under it 
again. ’F you don’t look out, you’ll get kissed. 

’Siah. Why, who else got kissed, Tommy? 

Tommy. I dassn’t tell. The minister wouldn't 
like it. You’re most under it again. You’d bet¬ 
ter work this side of the tree. 

Hiram. Come here, Tommy. (Whispers to 
him.) 

(Tommy starts to run, falls down just under 
the mistletoe, and begins to cry loudly. Miss 
Morton bends over him, and Fannie hastens to 
him also. Mr. Williams follows. Tommy looks 
up, laughing; Fannie starts back, and is kissed 
by the minister. Tommy runs to Hiram, say¬ 
ing loudly.) 


CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. 23 

Tommy. Now, hand out your quarter. I got 
her there, and the minister kissed her! 

Fannie. Tommy Lawson! 

Tommy. Well, Hi said he’d give a quarter to 
see how quick the minister’d start if you was 
under there ’stead o’ her (pointing), and I 
want it. 

Miss Morton (indignantly). Mr. Williams, I 
am flabbergasted at such inministerial actions. I 
demand that -that frivolious piece of horticulture 
be instantly removed. 

Mr. Williams. But, Miss Morton, it is only 
innocent amusement. 

Miss Morton. Innocent amusement, indeed! 
Pretty actions for a minister! I shall not coun¬ 
tenance such disrageous disregard of the impro¬ 
prieties. I shall inform the deacons, and have 
the minister church-mauled. I certainly shall. 

(She sails out, indignantly.) 

Tommy (calling). Miss Morton, I didn’t 
mean to make you mad! 

Miss Morton (looking back). You didn’t 
Tommy! (Sails out.) 

Tommy. Who did, I wonder? 

Mr. Thompson, Hiram and ’Siah (in con¬ 
cert.) Yes, who did? We wonder, too! 

Tommy. But what’s she mad at? 

’Siah. Go ask her, Tommy! 

Tommy (running out). I will! 

Hiram. What could she be mad at, Miss Fan¬ 
nie? Isn’t it queer? 

(Curtain.) 








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* * 






A Choice List of the Brightest Entertainments 


A1 Martin’s Country Store. A burlesque entertainment for from 15 to 30- 
participants. Written by Archibald Humboldt and Martelle Everett 
This entertainment is unsurpassed for merriment, taking- powers and 
ease of production. A country store with all its peculiar environments is 
depicted. The loafers, the small customers, the gossipers, the lovers, the 
innocent fun-makers, all have parts. The lifelike reality of all that 
takes place gives an irresistible charm to the proceedings. There is a 
graceful plot that gathers interest as the play proceeds, and culminates 
in a brilliant climax. Unquestionably the greatest success as a popular 
entertainment. Time, 1 to 2 hours. 25 cents. 

American Patriotic Songs for Schools. Contains words and music com¬ 
plete. A splendid collection of the best patriotic songs. Nothing so 
stirring, hearty, helpful. Just the book for the patriotic celebrations. 
New enlarged edition. 5 cents each; 50 cents a dozen; $4-00 per hundred. 
Bethlehem Babe, The. A sweet song-story of the Christ child. Can be 
sung either as a solo or chorus. A perfect gem. Sheet music. Words 
by Elizabeth F. Guptill; music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. 25 cents. . 
Blacksmith, The. A rollicking song which savors strongly of hammer 
and anvil. Solo and chorus. Sheet music. Words by Elizabeth F. Gup' 
till; music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. 25 cents. 

Bow-hearers to Chief Bed Cloud. Indian song novelty, for even number 
of boys. Any age. Characteristic Indian features introduced. Words 
and music by Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Cabbage Hill School. A humorous play for children or young people, 
by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Presents the trials of a new “skewl-marm” in 
the opening day, and the performances of the pupils in the presence of 
august visitors on closing day. A veritable mirth-provoker. Full of 
the richest humor. 10 male, 16 female characters (or less). 25 cents. 

Christmas at Skeeter Corner. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A humorous 
play for children and young folks. One of the most delightful enter¬ 
tainments ever given. It represents a school of fifty years ago, and 
the preparation for the Christmas entertainment. It is fun from begin¬ 
ning to end, and the humor is of the rarest sort. Easy to prepare. No 
bothersome requirements; only one scene. Can be given by five boys 
and seven girls, but a few more are better, and any number can be 
used. 15 cents. 

Christmas for all Nations. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A play for children 
or young folks. This is a very instructive exercise, full of inspiration. 
It introduces children from heathen nations, who describe their customs 
and beliefs. The text is in rhyme, and is excellently done. Can not 
fail to interest. Suitable for a Sunday-school or missionary entertain¬ 
ment. Requires 7 boys and 8 girls. 15 cents. 

Christmas Dream, A. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A play for children. In¬ 
troduces Santa Claus and several of Mother Goose’s children in new 
rhymes and clever antics. The costume requirements are easy to pro¬ 
vide, and the dialog is spicy and interesting. 5 boys and 5 girls. 15 cents. 
Christmas Dialogs, Guptill’s Original. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. Few 
persons have the ability to write dialogs as successfully as the author 
of this collection. Here are many of her choicest productions. The 
contents are not only intensely interesting, but the dialogs can be 
given any T ”nere and with few requirements. For children of all ages. 
25 cents. 

Christmas Dialogs and Plays. A superb new collection of- strictly' 
original dialogs and plays, all expressly for Christmas. Written by 
the most successful authors, such as Jean Halifax, Faith Dennison and 
Catherine Wentworth Rothsay. Original, clever, appropriate, delightful. 
25 cents. 

Christmas Joke, A. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A play for 12 male and 
12 female characters. May be given by children or by persons of various 
ages, or as a burlesque by grown people. Santa trims a Christmas tree 
for Mother Goose’s children, and Jack changes the labels. The result 
is indescribably funny. The entire play is in rhyme of the catchiest 
sort. The humor is intense. Every moment is a climax. 25 cents. 

Christmas at Santa Claus’ House. A play for young people, by Elizabeth 
F. Guptill. By means of an airship some children visit Santa Claus and 
see all the wonders of his land. Full of the liveliest happenings and 
interesting occurrences. Will prove most delightful. 8 male, 14 female 
characters. 25 cents. 


1 



Christmas Budget. Contains ‘‘The Christmas Alphabet,” a dialog ror 
26 children; “Christmas Tableaux,” seven in number, and “The Chi ,st- 
mas March,” a spectacular performance, by Elizabeth F. Guptill. AL of 
these items have real merit, and are practical. 15 cents. 

Christmas Recitations, Guptill’s Original. This is a very select collec¬ 
tion of really meritorious and really delightful pieces. Each recitation 
is admirably written, has a very decided point and a perfect climax. 
No “filling” in this book. If you want good recitations, get this. 15 cents. 
Christmas Star March and Drill. Various figures of fancy marches and 
a captivating drill. Superbly brilliant. For 16 to 24 girls. No scenery 
required. Full and complete diagrams and directions. Very easy to 
give. The effect is most pleasing. 15 cents. 

Churning. The story in song of the little folks’ visit to Grandpa, and 
their experience as butter makers. For any number of boys and girls. 
Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill; music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. Sheet 
music. 25 cents. 


Crowning the May Queen. A spectacular play for children, by Elizabeth 
F. Guptill. They go maying, select and crown a queen, wind the May- 
pole, and have a merry time. In the midst of the frolic they are thrown 
into great excitement by the appearance of a gypsy, who attempts tc 
abduct them. A very clever plot and a happy arrangement. Sure to 
prove effective. May be given by nine boys and eight girls, or 17 girls. 
25 cents. 


Colonial Minuet, A. By Effie Louise Koogle. New music, and full direc¬ 
tions for rendering the stately and graceful minuet our grandma; 
danced long years ago. Four, eight or sixteen couples. Sheet music. 
25 cents. 


Col. Zoozoo’s Zoho Band. By Effie Louise Koogle. Patriotic Burlesque 
Novelty for an even number of boys or girls, or both. Any age. Wili 
do for adults. Presents a patriotic medley, with other interesting fea¬ 
tures. May also be used to intersperse with other numbers of a pro¬ 
gram, taking the place of an orchestra. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Contest of the Nations, The. A spectacular play or cantata. By Eliza¬ 
beth F. Guptill. Introduces the Goddess of Liberty and twelve nations 
which compete for the laurel crown. It embraces a fine new march and 
a number of splendid songs, for which music has been written by Archi¬ 
bald Humboldt. This will make a grand performance. Characters, 13 
young ladies. 25 cents. 

Cupid’s Queries. A very cute solo for a small boy or girl impersonating 
Cupid, in which some threatening difficulties are disposed of. A “win¬ 
ner” for any occasion. Words and music by Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet 
music. 25 cents. 


Cupid’s Joke. A charming little drama in which Cupid plays an impor¬ 
tant part. A splendid society play for St. Valentine’s Day or any social 
occasion. 5 male and 5 female characters, and Cupid. 3 scenes, 45 
minutes. By Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet music. 15 cents. 

Dialogs for Any Time, Original. By Elizabeth F. Guptill Interesting 
and amusing dialogs, which may be given in any room, with very few 
property requirements, by primary and intermediate grades. The name 
of the author is a guarantee of their excellence. They are witty, spicy 
and lively. 25 cents. 


Dispelling of Big Jim, The. A negro farce in one act. By Sterling C. 
Brewer A decidedly humorous sketch. Big Jim is being tried by the 
officials of Big Bethel church for some misdemeanor. The trial is full 
of interesting occurrences, and culminates in an exciting event. Full of 
darky humor. 8 male characters. Time, 30 minutes. 15 cents. 

Dollv «how, The. A dialogue in rhyme for 7 little girls and 2 boys. 
The girls have a baby show with their dollies, and each “mother” shows 
her baby off to the best advantage. The judge is unusually wise, award¬ 
ing the prize to the satisfaction of each one. The sayings of the little 
ones are cute, and the wffiole performance a great success. 15 cents. 
Dolly, Stop Weeping. The sweetest doll lullaby ever written. Cute 
words, soothing melody, and graceful motions. A very rare production, 
which we commend most highly. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, music 
by Harry Carlton Eldridge. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Flower Nymphs’ Surprise, The. Operetta for children or adults. By 
Effie Louise Koogle. The Flower-Land Nymphs are frightened by sud¬ 
den encounter with a lot of Imps. Confusion ensues until Aurora ap¬ 
pears Imps prove to be princes bearing message to Aurora, and an 
invitation for Nymphs to feast in Sunlight Palace. The music is brilliant 
and captivating. Splendid for Last Day program. Two scenes. 8 'oys 
and 8 girls, or more. Any age. One hour. 30 cents. 


2 


Dolly, You Must Go to Bed. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, music by 
Harry Carleton Eldridge. A charming - doll’s lullaby for any number of 
little mothers. It will soothe the most stubborn baby. Sheet music. 

25 cents. 

“Don’t Be So Rough, Jim, I Can’t Play To-night.” A very pathetic char¬ 
acter song for medium voice (male or female), or may be sung as a 
duet. The words are sensible, but touching. The melody is captivating, 
while the accompaniment is brilliant and effective. Not difficult. A 
happy addition to any program. 25 cents. 

Emblem of Freedom. A flag song with plenty of action. A fitting 
tribute to Old Glory. Sheet music. Solo and words by Elizabeth F. 
Guptill, music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. 25 cents. 

Fin de Sieele Arbor Day Exercises. By Miss Anna Sitler. A generous 
collection of the choicest quotations from noted authors, clever recita¬ 
tions, unique exercises, and other splendid features. Full of good things. 
Just what you need. 15 cents. 

Feast in the Wilderness, A. A children’s play for Christmas. Bright 
and clever, with a touch of humor. A dialogue with a point. Has a 
good moral tone and a fine climax. May be given anywhere. Suitable 
for a church or school entertainment. 3 boys, 1 girl. Time, 15 minutes. 

15 cents. 

Festive Songs for Little Singers.. With actions. Words by Elizabeth F. 
Guptill, music by Archibald Humboldt. This book embraces rote songs 
for school singing and action songs for public entertainments. A superb 
collection of original songs of unusual merit, descriptive of nature and 
life, each with numerous actions, which are fully explained. An appro¬ 
priate and tuneful new melody is provided for each song. In addition, 
familiar airs are suggested for those who prefer them. The songs may 1 
be sung by the entire school, or in entertainments by one or more chil¬ 
dren. 25 cents. 

Fin de Sieele Christmas Exercises. Incomparably the best book of 
Christmas exercises published. Contains original recitations, songs, 
ciass exercises, etc. Separate program for each grade. 15 cents. 

Fin de Sieele Lincoln Birthday Exercises. By Archibald Humboldt. For 
all grades. Practical and instructive, but decidedly pleasing. A sure 
success. Contains Lincoln’s epigrams, anecdotes and speeches, a poem 
by Lincoln, original songs, recitations and class exercises or dialogues; 
all that is needed for Lincoln Day. 15 cents. 

Fin de Sieele Thanksgiving Exercises. Contains material for several .) 
entertainments. Separate program for each grade. Original songs, reci¬ 
tations, dialogues and many other features. Bright, enthusiastic, sensi¬ 
ble. 15 cents. 

Fin de Sieele Washington’s Birthday Exercises. For primary, interme¬ 
diate and high schools. Spicy recitations, dialogues, tableaux, original 
songs and other features. Nothing impracticable or undesirable. Just 
what every teacher wishes. 15 cents. 

Greatest General, The. Corn-Motion song. Words and music by Harry 
Carleton Eldridge. A humorous song which may be rendered with tell¬ 
ing effect. For any number. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Hatchet March and Drill. A new spectacular entertainment for Wash¬ 
ington’s Birthday, for either 16 or 24 boys. Not difficult, but very effect- ) 
ive and beautiful. Decidedly unique and original. 15 cents. 

Hallowe’en Adventure, A. A lively play for grammar grades or adults, 
by Effie Louise Koogle. Full of ghostly excitement and spooky frolic. 
Specially suited for social occasions. 3 males and 8 females required, 
though more may take part. 3 scenes. One hour. 15 cents. 

Heir of Mt. Vernon, The. A Colonial Society Play for any occasion, in 
which Washington’s social life, sterling manhood and courteous manners 
are portrayed. In one scene Christmas is celebrated in rare plantation 
style. Lively with old plantation melodies and pranks. By Effie Louise 
Koogle. For grammar grades or adults. Four scenes. 8 boys and 8 
girls, or more will be better. 1 to 2 hours. 25 cents. 

Holiday’s Carnival, The. A unique entertainment for 16 children. The 
Holidays, including St. Valentine’s Day, April Fool’s Day, Easter, Labor 
Day, Pilgrim’s Day, Children’s Day, Hallowe’en, and nine others, are 
represented by children in taking costumes. Each has a speaking part, 
and there is a chorus for each Day. The tunes are familiar, Splendidly 
planned and written. The march at the close makes a brilliant clima*. 
Time 30 minutes. 15 cents. 

How She Managed It. A very clever society play for 1 male, 1 female. 
Parlor scene, 20 minutes. A young lady resorts to a very plausible plot 
for securing a proposal, and succeeds. 15 cents. 


How to Celebrate Washington’s Birthday, Arbor Day, Decoration Day, 
Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and the birthdays of au¬ 
thors and noted men. Arranged by Prof. John R. Shedd, Miss Ida M. 
Hedrick, Mrs. Emma T. March, Mrs. E. E. Chester, Archibald Humboldt. 
Full and complete programs provided for every holiday, and for the 
birthdays of authors and noted men—20 in all. The programs are suited 
for any school, are practical and delightful. 25 cents. 

In Santa Claus Land. An original Christmas play for children, in tour 
scenes. Introduces Santa Claus, his wife and baby, the Fairies and 
Brownies. Full of novel and striking features. A succession of happy 
incidents. The text is in rhyme, bright and clever, and having a merry 
jingle, but showing excellent literary style. For children of all ages. 
10 male and 12 female characters. Time, 1 hour. 25 cents. 

In the Days I Went to School. A humorous descriptive song in which 
the old ways and the new are compared. Words and music by Harry 
Carleton Eldridge. A choice solo. Sheet music. 25-cents. 

In the Wake of Paul Revere. A play for grammar and high schools, 
by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Abounds in thrilling adventure and clever wit. 
The historical setting furnishes a plot of deep interest, which is well 
sustained throughout. A splendid play for any time. 25 cents. 

Jack Frost’s Mistake. By Clara J. Denton. A very clever one act oper- 
retta, for Thanksgiving or any time. There are four speaking parts, and 
a chorus of any number. The music is given, and as the airs are all 
familiar, the whole is easily prepared. The costume directions are sim- 
j pie, but wonderfully effective. This will prove a great success. For 
: eight or more boys. 45 minutes. 25 cents. 

Just After Christmas Dinner. A charming Christmas song revealing the 
best of all. Bright and pleasing. Words and music by Effie Louise 
i Koogle. Solo for boy or girl, or chorus for any number of children. 
Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Knickerbockers at School, The. School life in New Amsterdam when the 
colony was young, and verj' - “Dutch.” Current events form an important 
part. A most amusing and highly entertaining production, by Effie 
Louise Koogle. Any number of characters, any age. One hour. 25 cents. 
Kick for Old St. Nick, A. A jolly new Christmas Song clamoring for 
I the rights of a much-abused Old St. Nick. A bunch of fresh ideas set to 
bright, catchy music. Solo for boy, girl, Old St. Nick, or a chorus for 
children. Words and music by Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet music. 25 
cents. 

Little Heroine of the Revolution, A. A play for all ages. By Elizabeth 

i F. Guptill. A little girl is sent ostensibly to play with a friend, but 
really to carry a message to General Marion. She is captured by the 
British, but by her cleverness, deceives them, and reaches her destina¬ 
tion. Full of historic interest. 10 males, 5 females. More boys may 
be added as soldiers if desired. 25 cents. 

Little Mothers. A splendid motion song, portraying the trials of a com¬ 
pany of little housekeepers. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, music by 
! Harry Carleton Eldridge. For any number. Sheet music. 25 cents. 
Little Pinks of Propriety. Character song for any number of very prim 
little Pilgrim maidens. A very pleasing and effective production. Words 
( and music by Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet music. 25 cents, 
l L,i>i pickannin’s Parlance. A song of rare beauty. Words and music by 
Effie Louise Koogle. Suggestive of plantation life. A sweet melody 
with beautiful accompaniment. May be sung as solo by young or old, 
or as duet. Sheet music, 25 cents. 

Little Pieces for Little People. 20 cards containing 29 bright, pretty 
recitations for boys and girls from 5 to 10 years. Teachers like these 
pieces because of their convenient form. Being printed on cards, all 
wearisome copy is avoided. 10 cents. 

Little Virginia ’Ristocrats. A clever duet or chorus for haughty little 
men and ladies, who with a “’ristocratic air” proclaim their “excel¬ 
lence rare, beyond compare,” and tell why they are “so ’ristocratic.” 
Words and music by Effie Louise Koogle. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Lost Prince, The. By Elizabeth F. Guptill. A Fairy play for children 
and young folks. The plot is most interesting. The Prince, a babe in 
arms, is spirited away by a wicked Fairy, who refuses to consider any 
offer for his ransom. Death is threatened. The wicked Fairy is pursued 
by the Princess under guidance of the good Fairies, and after many 
difficulties and hardships, the Prince is rescued. Directions are given 
for providing very effective costumes at little or no expense, and with a 
little care a most elaborate presentation may be had. 6 male, 9 female 
characters. More may be used effectively if desired. 25 cents. 

4 


Lohengrin. A Musical Burlesque for Wax Figures. By Harriet E. 
Smith. A most unique entertainment novelty. The performeis imitate 
wax figures with their vacant stare and jerky movements, and sing 
killing songs to popular melodies. A never-failing success. Very easy 
to learn and render. May be given by seven persons, male or female, 
though more may be used to advantage. Time, 1 hour. 25 cents. 

Lovers of All Ages. By Kathryn R. Harris. A very unique entertain¬ 
ment for high schools, clubs, colleges or adults. Represents the famous 
lovers of all times, from Eve to Alice Roosevelt. Makes a most inter¬ 
esting and beautiful presentation. Lively with humor. 1 male, 13 female 
characters and a cupid. Time, % hour. 25 cents. 

Master George Washington; His Sixth Birthday Party. A charming 
liLtle play for any number of boys and girls, but five of each required. 
A glimpse of Washington’s home -dife in childhood days. Written by 
EfRe Louise Koogle. Two scenes, 30 minutes. 15 cents. 

Menagerie in the School-room, A. A play for children. As many as 
forty characters may be introduced, but can be easily given by a less 
number. An original and very entertaining play for boys and girls. 
Can not fail to keep the audience in a roar from beginning to end. Oc¬ 
cupies one hour. A splendid entertainment. 15 cents. 

Merry Farmers, The. A costume song for small boys. They tell how to 
raise the biggest crops. A success. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, 
music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Merry Little Witches, Bewitching. A unique song novelty for any num¬ 
ber of little girls. Very clever. The music is lively and exceedingly 
pretty. May also be sung by larger girls. By Effie Louise Koogle. 
Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Mill, The. Solo and chorus descriptive of the old mill and the “Miller 
gray.” A pretty and pleasing song. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, 
music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Mud Pies. A cute costume song for little cooks. Decidedly pleasing. 

1 or any number of girls. Words by Elizabeth F. Guptill, music by 
Harry Carleton Eldridge. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Newsboys’ Thanksgiving, The. A jolly new play. Four city newsboys 
go to the country on Thanksgiving Day, make the acquaintance of 
farmer Brown and his family. They have a merry time and a good din¬ 
ner. Sensible, but full of fun. 6 male, 4 female characters. No trouble¬ 
some requirements. Time, 40 minutes. 15 cents. 

New Celebrations for Last Day of School, Flag Day, and Bird Day. Ar¬ 
ranged by M S3 Ida M. Hedrick. Ample material of all kinds—songs, 
recitations, dialogues, etc., from which the teacher may select a full 
program suited to her grade. The author has had large experience in 
writing and compiling entertainments, and has learned to provide the 
much-coveted material that insures a successful entertainment. Not 
a dull number in the collection. 25 cents. 

Night Before Christmas, The. An intensely interesting drama bv Alice 
E. Allen, with a most absorbing plot. Written in a very captivating 
manner. Contains new songs by Archibald Humboldt. An excellent 
entertainment for grammar or high schools, or for mixed grades. 8 boys 
and 6 girls, with as many more as desired. Time, % hour. 25 cents. 

November’s Crown. A new spectacular entertainment for Thanksgiving. 
Easy to present, but wonderfully brilliant and pleasing. A striking suc¬ 
cess. For 14 girls and boys. 15 cents. 

Old Sw r eet Dream, The. The most charming ballad extant. A love song 
with sensible words and irresistible melody, gracefully sustained by a 
beautiful accompaniment of unusual brilliancy. Not difficult. A delight¬ 
ful song for any occasion. Words and music by Effie Louise Koogle. 
Sheet music. Soprano or tenor. 25 cents. 

Pat and His Countrymen. By Clara J. Denton. A dialogue for two boys 
(grammar or high school). Abounds in valuable information concerning 
the Irish in America, and an abundance of spicy wit. Splendid for St. 
Patrick’s Day. 15 minutes. 15 cents. 

Peterltins and Polly, Very Dutch, but Quite Jolly. A very amusing 
Dutch costume song by Effie Louise Koogle. Duet for boy and girl. 
Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Quarrel, The. An amusing duet for a little boy and girl. Very easy, 
but sure to please the audience. If you have a boy and girl who can 
sing a little be sure to get this to round out your program. It is a 
mirth provoker. The words are descriptive of a children’s quarrel, very 
true to life, and decidedly humorous. The melody is pleasing, while the 
accompaniment adds much to the brilliancy of the production. The 
music is not difficult. The piece can be rendered successfully with little 
effort. Will fl t anywhere and add spice to the program. 25 cents. 

5 


Recitations for Primary Grades, Original and Unique. By Elizabeth rr . 
Cuptill. A collection of original recitations of an unusual sort. Evei y ' 
Qie is as interesting as a story, and every one has a very decided point. : 
'Jot a recitation in the collection that is dull or impractical. 15 cents. 

^lose March and Drill. For 16 girls. A beautiful spectacular entertain¬ 
ment for any occasion. The costumes, though easy to provide, are most 
charming. The movements of the march are easily learned by the aid 
of the diagrams provided, but the effect is most striking. 15 cents. . 

Royalty in Old Virginia. Historical play, recounting the life of Pow¬ 
hatan, Pocahontas, and Captain John Smith. Abounds in exciting inter¬ 
est and thrilling adventure. Contains special music of a characteristic 
nature. For larger pupils or adults. Any number, but five girls and 
eight boys required. 3 scenes. 40 minutes. Written by Effie Louise 
Koogle. 25 cents. 

Run-a-Way Bear, The. By Edna Randolph Worrell. A musical play or 
operetta for any number of children. A unique plot, a bunch of clever 
puns and witticisms, and original music; the most melodious and pleasing 
combine to make one of the rarest of up-to-date entertainments.' In¬ 
troduces “Teddy Bear Parade” with catchy music. Costumes simple and 
no bothersome requirements. Easy to learn, easy to give. Time, a half 
hour or longer. Music and dialogue complete. 40 cents. 

Spear Drill. For 16 girls. A very easy entertainment to arrange. Cos¬ 
tumes are simple, the movements not intricate. Suitable for small girls. 
Very pretty. 15 cents. 

Stars and Stripes Jubilee, The. A Patriotic Spectacular Entertainment, 
by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Introduces Uncle Sam, Columbia, and repre¬ 
sentatives from the Colonies and different sections of the country. In- ' 
eludes a new march and a number of new and striking solos and cho¬ 
ruses, with music by Archibald Humboldt. May be made very elaborate 
and effective. 7 male, 28 female characters. By “doubling up” 15 girls 
will answer. 25 cents. 


Sunflower March. For 16 boys. A very amusing entertainment. The 
costumes are alike front and back, and the movements occasion much 
merriment. Full directions and diagrams. 15 cents. 


Surprised Grumbler, or How Kris Kringle Made a Convert, A. A new 

Christmas operetta. John Grumble said Santa Claus was a myth, and 
gave the children a world of trouble. By means of a novel invention 
they found Santa, and induced him to call on Grumble. Brilliant music 
and sparkling words. Full of life. Original, jolly and clever; sure to 
captivate the audience. Requires about 25 minutes. 15 cents. 

Thanksgiving in Brownie-Land. By Effie Louise Koogle. A rollicking 
play for boys. For any time. Full of life and fun. With November’s 
Crown, 15 cents. 

That Boy George, and the Lincoln League. Two very unique and origi¬ 
nal dialogues by Mabel E. Eaton. In the former the characters are 
Uncle Sam, George Washington, two little girls and a chorus. In the 
latter there are 6 boys and 7 girls (grammar or high school). Both are 
very novel and highly entertaining. Easily prepared and splendidly 
effective. 15 cents. 


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« ’Twas Thee!” “ ’Twas Thou!” “And This I Avow!” A Quaker conten¬ 
tion. A delightful song, very droll and quaint. For any occasion. Very 
popular. Duet for small boy and girl. Words and music by Effie Louise 
Koogle. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Twentieth Century Christinas Exercises, The. Contains a diversified 
profusion of new and original dialogues and other material for the 
school entertainment. For all grades, up-to-date, of a high quality, 
sensible and pleasing. 15 cents. 

Twentieth Century Thanksgiving Exercises, The. Provides an abun¬ 
dance of choice new material, including several dialogues for celebrating 
Thanksgiving in the school-room. Practical, gratifying, sensible. 15 
cents. 

Two Crusty Little Pies. A “dough”-ful story. Why the pies were 
“crusty.” An attraction for any occasion and especially good for Wash¬ 
ington’s Birthday Exercises. May be sung as solo, duet by boy and girR 
or by any number of children. Words and music by Effie' LOuiSe Koo-gle. 
Sheet music. 25 cents. 


6 


Two filiations, The. For Thanksgiving. A jolly new operetta. 

from beginning to end. The music is bright and catchy. Full or c. 1> z ne 

hits. Easy to give. For 4 boys and 5 girls. 15 cents. . 

Unele Sam’s Brigade. A new operetta. A patriotic novelty with pal ’e, 
otic pranks. Uncle Sam displays some notions of his own. Nationc.** 
Songs and Tableaux introduced. By Effie Louise Koogle. 15 cents. 

Up-to-date America, or the Sweet Girl Graduate’s Dream. Drama-Ca¬ 
price by Effie Louise Koogle. Unique and exceedingly humorous. Splen¬ 
did plot. Scene in Art Museum. The peculiarities and repartees of the 
various visitors afford unbounded amusement during the first scene. In 
the second, the “sweet girl graduates,” rehearsing their commencement 
play are startled by numerous sight-seers and the re-enlivened wax fig¬ 
ures, making no end of fun. The plot grows quite tragic, and ends with 
a happy surprise, forming an admirable climax. 10 males, 10 females, 
though many more may be used. Time, one to two hours. 25 cents. 

Visit from Mother Goose and Her Family, A. A descriptive pantomime 
play, suitable for church or school entertainment. Can be played by 
children or adults. Easily staged. Full directions about preparing and 
performing, suggestions about costumes, etc. Takes one hour. A splen¬ 
did entertainment. 15 cents. 

Washington Celebration at Riverside, The. Something new in entertain^ 
ments. A “continuous performance” or play, introducing many novel 
features. If given as arranged, it provides a complete entertainment, 

Or the several features may be used independently. The collection em¬ 
braces recitations, dialogues, drills and marches, tableaux or charades, 
and several new and up-to-date songs, words and music complete. Most 
of the material is original, and entirely out of the ordinary. It is full 
of fun. Written by Archibald Humboldt. 25 cents. 

Washington Guards and Ladies of Honor, The. A happy combination 
drill and cantata, including the attractions of each, but made so easy 
that almost any school can give it. Introduces George and Martha 
Washington in solos and duet. Can best be given by 10 boys and 10 
girls, though fewer will answer. Delightfully pleasing. 15 cents. 

Wave Old Glory. A patriotic song with rousing chorus. A splendid 
marching song. For any number of singers. Words by Elizabeth F. 
Guptill, music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

When Visitors Come ’Round. A humorous descriptive song, telling how 
our school “shows off” before visitors. A sure success for all occasions. 
Words and music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. 25 cents. 

“We Wouldn’t Say a Word, But ’Tis Quite Absurd.” A shocking state 
of affairs depicted. For any number of Puritan boys and girls. A clever 
little song for any time, especially good for Thanksgiving Exercises. 
Words and music by Effie Lousie Koogle. Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Wrap Me in the Dear Old Flag, Boys. A very pathetic descriptive song, 
suitable for Memorial Day, or any patriotic occasion, or for concert uses. 
An unusually meritorious production. May be sung as solo, or rendered 
as a musical recitation. Words and music by Harry Carleton Eldridge. 
Sheet music. 25 cents. 

Wood Fairies, The. An Arbor Day entertainment. Characters: The 
Fairy Queen, 13 fairies, and a number of pupils. A bright and pleasing 
entertainment. If you want an Arbor Day program try this. 15 cents. 

Wooing Jane. A bright society play in one act. Parlor scene. 2 males, 

2 females. 20 minutes. Thurston’s train leaves in half an hour. He 
tries to propose to Jane but is interrupted. The incidents are exciting 
and amusing. He finally succeeds. 15 cents. 

Yankee Doodle’s Trip to Dixie. A Revolutionary Adventure, and what 
came of it. Full of patriotism, and intensely interesting. For grammar 
grades, larger pupils, or adults. By Effie Louise Koogle. Three scenes. 

6 males and 6 females. More may take part. 30 minutes. 15 cents. 

Ye Merry Tunes for Ye Modern Lads and Lasses. By Harry Carleton 
Eldridge. By all odds far the best collection of school songs ever pub¬ 
lished. The words are sensible, elevating, and full of life, while the 
music is catchy, harmonious, and pleasing. Contains excellent selections 
for concerts, Christmas, Washington Day, and other patriotic exercises 
and other occasions. Full of good things. 15 cents; $1.50 per dozen. 


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t'ohet Mari‘ta and Drill. A new spectacular entertainment for Washington's Biitnaajr 
jr either 16 or 24 boya. Not difficult, but very effective and beautiful. Decidedly unique and 
iginal. 15c. 

b an de Siecle Lincoln’s Birthday Exereiseg By Archibald Humboldt. For all grades. 
Practical and instructive, but decidedly pleasing. A sure success. Contains Lincoln’s epigrams, 
anecdotes and speeches, a poem by Lincoln, original songs, recitations and class exercises osr 
dialogues; all that is needed for Lincoln Day. 15c. 

Mow to Celebrate Washington’s Birthday, Arbor Day, Decoration Day, Fourth of Juiy ; 
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and the birthdays of authors and noted men. Arranged by Prof, 
John R. Shedd, Miss Ida M. Hedrick, Mrs. Emma T. March, Mrs. E. E. Chester, Archibald Hum: 
boldt. Full and complete programs provided for every holiday, and for the birthdays of authors 
and noted men—20 in all. The programs are suited to any school, are practical and delighfuL 25e. 


FOR ARBOR DAY. 

Fin d© Sled© Arbor Day Exercises. By Miss Anna Sitler. A generous collection of the 
choicest quotations from noted authors, clever recitations, unique exercises, and other splendid! 
features. Full of good things. Just what you need. 15c. 

The Wood Fairies. An Arbor Day entertainment. Characters: The Fairy Queen, IS fairies, 
and a number of pupils. A bright and pleasing entertainment. If you want an Arbor Day 
program, try this. 15c. 


FOR ANY TIME. 

A1 Martin’s Country Store. A burlesque entertainment for from 15 to 30 participants. 
Written by Archibald Humboldt and Martelle Everett. This entertainment is unsurpassed for 
merriment, taking qualities and ease of production. A country store with all its peculiar envir¬ 
onments is depicted. The loafers, the small customers, the gossipers, the lovers, the innocent 
fun-makers, all have parts. The lifelike realty of all that takes place gives an irresistible charm 
to the proceedings. There is a graceful plot that gathers interest as the play proceeds, and cul¬ 
minates in a brilliant climax. Unquestionably the greatest success as a popular entertainment. 
Time, 1 % hours. 25c. 

The Dolly Show. A dialogue in rhyme, for 7 little girls and 2 boys. The girls have a baby 
show with their dollies, and each “mother” shows her baby off to the best advantage. The 
Judge is unusually wise, awarding the prize too the satisfaction of each one. The sayings of the 
little ones are cute, and the whole performance a great success. 15c. 

Sunflower March. For 16 hoys. A very amusing entertainment. The custumes are alike, 
front and back, and the movements occasion much merriment. Full directions and diagrams. 15c 

Rose March and Drill. For 16 girls. A beautiful spectacular entertainment for anyocca 
sion. The costumes, though easy to provide, are most charming. The movements of the march 
are easily learned by the aid of diagrams provided, but the effect is most striking. 15c. 

Spear* Drill. For 16 girls. A very easy entertainment to arrange. Costumes are simple, the 
movements not intricate. Suitable for small girls. Very pretty. 15c. 


A Menagerie in the School-Room. A play for children. As many as forty characters 
may a, .troduced, but can be easily given by a less number. An original and very entertaining 
play for boys and girls. Cannot fail to keep the audience in a roar from beginning to end. Re¬ 
quires 1 hour. A splendid entertainment. 15c. 

t 

A Visit from Mother Goose and Her Family. A descriptive pantomime play, suitable 
for church or school entertainment. Can be played by ehildren or adults. Easily staged. Full 
directions about preparing and performing, suggestions about costumes, etc. Takes 1 hour. A 
splendid entertainment. 15c. 

New Celebrations for last day of school. Flag Day, and Bird Day. Arranged by Miss Ida M„ 
Hedrick. Ample material of all kinds—songs, recitations, dialogues, etc., from which the 
teacher may select a full program suited to her grade. The author has had large experience in 
writing and compiling entertainments, and has learned to provide the much coveted material 
that insures a successful entertainment. Not a dull number in the collection. 25c. 

Little Pieces for Little People. 20 cards containing 29 bright, pretty recitatiens for boys 
and'girls from 5 to 10 years. Teachers like these pieces because of their convenient form. Being 
printed on cards, ail wearisome copying is avoided. 10c. 

“Don’t Be So Bough Jim, I Can’t Play To-night.” A very pathetic character song 

or medium voice (male or female), or may be sung as a duet. The words are sensible, but touch¬ 
ing. Tlie melody is captivating, while the accompaniment is brilliant and effective. Not diffi ¬ 
cult. A happy addition to any program. 25c. 

The Quarrel. An amusing duet for a little boy and girl. Very easy, but sure to please the 
audience If you have a boy and girl who can sing a little be sure to get this to round out your 
program It is a mirth provoker. The words are descriptive of a children’s quarrel, very true 
to life and decidedly humorous. The melody is pleasing, while the accompaniment adds much 
to the’brilliancy of the production. The music is not difficult. The piece can be rendered suc¬ 
cessfully with little effort. Will fit anywhere and add spice to the program. 25c. 


American Patriotic Songs for Schools. Contains words and music complete. A eplen- 

iid collection of the best patriotic songs. Nothing so stirring, nearty, helpful. Just the book tor 
f he patriotic celebrations. New enlarged edition. 5c each, 50c a dozen, $4.00 per hundred. 


.. Merry Tones for Ye Modern Lads and Lasses. By all odds far the best collection 
chool songs ever published. Contains excellent selections for concerts, special day exercises, 
other occasions 15c. $1.50 per dozen. 



A GREAT SUCCESS 
OUR BEST ACHIEVEMENT 

Merry Tunes, Clever Rhymes, 

Sensible Words, Catchy Melodies, 

Pleasing Harmonies, 

Helpful Sentiments. 


ff 2/e ^TTferry Tj tines for 2/e 
7/fodern jCads and <£asses* ’ 

We believe it is by all odds, far the best 
Collection ©f School Songs ever published. 

The difference between this book and all others is, that every 
sene in this book is singable. The words are sensible, elevating 
and full of life, while the music is catchy, harmonious and pleas¬ 
ing. We know you will be delighted with it. 

“ Ye Merry Tunes for Ye Modern Lads and Lasses ,, is pre¬ 
pared by Harry Cari^ton Eldridgk, who has had large exper¬ 
ience as Instructor and Supervisor of Music m the public school », 
and who enjoys wide popularity because of the great success o. 
the Operas, Cantatas and other musical productions of whicn ne is 

the author. . . „ 

The book is diversified. It contains songs for all seasons. 1 ne 
Special Days are well provided for. There are morning songs, 
songs of inspiration and help, songs of nature and life. There is 
an abundance of delightful, melodious new songs, almost all o; 
which are Mr. Eldridge’s own productions, and are prepared ex¬ 
pressly for this book. 

CHARMING, AMUSING, ORIGINAL, DELIGHTFUL, PRACTICAL, 
INSPIRING, SINGABLE, \ UP-TO-DATE, UNIQUE. 

It contains excellent selections for Christmas 
and other Svecial Days . 

Price 15c. Each. SI.50 Per Dozen, Postpaid. 

$10 Per Hundred, NOT POSTPAID. 

Wright A<o* Lebanon . Ohio . 




























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